This is undoubtedly promising news, especially since 2018’s 331 deaths marked the highest number of fatalities in a decade. If this trend continues, it could mean that Nevada road fatalities see a decrease this year. This is not guaranteed, however. August could prove to be particularly deadly, especially because the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is notoriously dangerous.

With Clark County originating as a rural area, many roads were simply not designed to accommodate today’s heavy pedestrian foot traffic. On top of that, pedestrian crosswalks are purposefully timed in a way that only lets pedestrians cross halfway. Pedestrians are meant to stand in the middle of the intersection and wait before crossing the rest of the way.

Unfortunately, this is not what happens, according to Erin Breen, coordinator with the Traffic Safety Coalition: “human beings don’t do that. People push it and try to make it all the way across the street… It’s a spot where I feel particularly bad for drivers because — especially at night – you can’t see the pedestrian.” High speed limits may also be a contributing factor, not giving even non-speeding drivers enough time to stop upon seeing a pedestrian.

While it is positive to hear that the overall number of traffic deaths has decreased, it appears that more attention and safety efforts may be needed to protect pedestrian lives.